Aristotelian and Thomistic Conception of Natural Law

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Questions and Answers

What is the essence of Natural Law?

Moral rules are objective, absolute, and universal truths. (correct)

Moral rules are based on individual perspectives.

Moral rules are determined by societal norms.

Moral rules are subjective and relative truths.

How did the Stoics view the relationship between nature and law?

Nature and law are unrelated concepts.

Nature is only governed by divine intervention.

Nature and law are synonymous, governed by reason. (correct)

Nature is devoid of law and reason.

What did Aristotle believe about the purpose of everything that exists?

Purpose is irrelevant in the study of nature.

Everything that exists has a purpose that must be understood. (correct)

Things exist without any specific purpose.

Purpose is subjective and varies from person to person.

How does Aristotle describe the essence of an individual substance?

An activity is the essence of a substance. Signup and view all the answers

What sets human beings apart from other beings according to Aristotle?

Ability for abstract thinking. Signup and view all the answers

How does the text differentiate between scientific natural law and moral law?

Scientific natural law can be discovered through observation, while moral law is accessible only through reflection. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Natural Law Theory give emphasis on human inclinations?

Because human inclinations are something good that should be promoted and enhanced Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a strength of Natural Law Theory?

It emphasizes that morality is subjective and varies from person to person Signup and view all the answers

Why does Natural Law Theory integrate the significant role of conscience?

To play a role in knowing what is right and wrong Signup and view all the answers

How does Natural Law Theory relate to the Divine Command Theory of ethics?

It provides a more philosophical alternative to the Divine Command Theory Signup and view all the answers

Why does Natural Law Theory ground morality on universal human values like life, truth, and goodness?

To base morality on values that are universally accepted as good Signup and view all the answers

"Can the way things are by nature provide the basis for knowing how they ought to be?" is a criticism against Natural Law Theory because:

'Natural law' lacks any basis for knowing how things ought to be Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an essential element for a law to be reasonable?

It must be punitive in nature Signup and view all the answers

Which attribute of the natural law ensures that it is recognizable by individuals?

It is immutable or unchangeable Signup and view all the answers

How does St. Thomas Aquinas define law in relation to the common good?

An imposition directed towards community welfare Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes formal norms from material norms in the context of the natural law?

Formal norms relate to character while material norms are about behavior Signup and view all the answers

Why is reason considered as essential for something to be classified as a law according to St. Thomas Aquinas?

To ground laws in logic and fairness Signup and view all the answers

Which attribute of natural law ensures its applicability across different cultures and societies?

Its universality Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Conception of Natural Law

Law refers to standards or directives that beings are supposed to follow, and in ethics, it is the rule of conduct that governs human actions.
Aristotle's conception of natural law is that it is a ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by one who has the care of the community.

Essential Elements of Natural Law

A law must be just, honest, possible of fulfillment, relatively permanent, promulgated, and directed to the common good.
A law must be promulgated by one who has the care of the community.

Attributes of Natural Law

Natural law is obligatory, universal, has its own sanctions, knowable, and immutable.

Contents of Natural Law

Natural law is distinguished between formal and material norms.
Formal norms relate to our character and are unchangeable, not relative to the subject.

Natural Law Ethics

Natural law ethics is the general view that moral rules are objective, absolute, and universal truths that can be discovered through reason.
Moral law is accessible through human reason, not scientific natural law.

Stoic's Interpretation of Natural Law

Stoics believe that humans possess a "divine spark" or rational seed.
They equate nature with law and reason, and teach that living a life according to nature is important.

Aristotelian Conception of Natural Law

Aristotle believes that everything has a purpose, and that understanding a thing's purpose requires knowing its nature.
Human nature is dynamic, and the activities that humans can do (e.g. thinking) make them human.

Strengths of Natural Law Theory

Emphasizes human inclinations as good and to be promoted.
Grounds morality on universal human values like life, truth, and goodness.
Integrates the role of conscience in knowing right and wrong.
Provides a systematic explanation for why things are the way they are and their implications for human moral action.
Offers a religious dimension to morality, rejects relativism, and provides reasoned justification for why things are good or bad.

Criticisms Against Natural Law Theory

Can the natural world provide the basis for knowing how things ought to be?
If natural law is discoverable by reason, why is it difficult to know and be certain what it is?
In what sense is the "natural law" a law?
The scientific theory poses a challenge to traditional natural law thinking.

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Description

Explore the Aristotelian and Thomistic perspectives on natural law, focusing on the moral law and its relation to ethics. Dive into St. Thomas Aquinas' definition of law and its significance for the common good and community care.